The sixth-generation BMW M3 will depart international showrooms with a six-speed manual version of the track-focused CS, but it's sad news for anyone not in the US.
BMW will farewell the current M3 sports sedan with a driver-focused, limited-edition CS Handschalter that pairs the lightweight grade with a six-speed manual for the first time.
The manual-only, rear-wheel-drive, specially-tuned version of the M3 is expected to be the last new addition to the line-up before the next-generation model, set to offer petrol and electric options, debuts.
Only available in the US, the BMW M3 CS Handschalter will be produced in "very limited numbers" from July, priced from USD$108,450, which is USD$10,250 cheaper than the global M3 CS – exclusively offered with an automatic and all-wheel drive – in the US.
The all-wheel-drive M3 CS was listed at $249,900 plus on-road costs when it was last sold in Australia in 2024.
Approximately 34kg has been dropped from the standard M3 to create the CS Handschalter, making it the lightest version of the sports sedan to date, thanks to carbon-fibre reinforced plastic on key panels, forged alloy wheels, a titanium muffler, and standard M Carbon bucket seats.
It also receives a 6mm reduction in ride height, thanks to new springs – reportedly borrowed from the M2 CS – and rear axle links, paired with shock absorbers from the M4 CSL.
The tuning of the electric power steering and traction control are also unique for the Handschalter.
Powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine as the regular M3, it retains outputs of 353kW and 550Nm unlike the 405kW/650Nm of auto the CS, due to limitations of what can be sent through the six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels.
Standard fitment are M Compound sports brakes, with the option of lightweight carbon-ceramics, behind the 19-inch front and 20-inch rear forged alloy wheels coloured gold, bronze or black.
Shared with the regular M3 is M Drive Professional, which includes the M Drift Analyser and M Laptimer functions, and plus multi-stage traction control, and Road, Sport, or Track drive profiles.
Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon sound system, parking sensors, and a suite of advanced safety features.
The BMW M3 CS Handschalter will make its public debut at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles on Saturday, 23 May, but won't be sold in Australia.
